13 Fun Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Updated: Sep 7, 2023
La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica surrounded by the beautiful Arenal Volcano, rainforests, and hot springs. Most things to do is actually a little bit outside of La Fortuna in the Arenal area, which is mainly a 15 to 30-minute drive. It is a small town, but you'll be surprised how majestic this town is. Even locals that we have met in San Jose said that their place to visit in Costa Rica is La Fortuna! Say what?
Almost everything to do in La Fortuna is outdoor activities. Make sure to be prepared to go on this adventure!!
La Fortuna has enough things to do, and you need about three to four days to try everything. If it ain't fun, I don't want it. Here are 12 must things to do while staying in La Fortuna!
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Things to do around La Fortuna
I recommend booking a tour guide because you would learn a lot more about animals and nature in the rainforest as well as the history of the Volcano!
Who doesn't want to hike to the lava fields? There are many hike trails to go from, and it is up to you if you want to join a tour for this. Most of this hike goes through the rainforest to get to the lava fields. It will take around one hour to finish the hike going up, depending on your group.
It could get a little slippery in the lush rainforests if it starts pouring. Please always remember to wear proper shoes and carry a raincoat with you.
There are approximately 530 steps to conquer before reaching the 70 meters high waterfall. It can get crowded around the waterfall, especially during high seasons, so try to come here super early to avoid the crowds!
If you can drive, take a taxi, an Uber, or a shuttle bus, try to get there yourself. You do not need a tour guide for this destination unless it is part of your tour packages. The ticket for entry is around $18, which can be purchased online or in person.
One of my favorite tours I have taken in La Fortuna! I had no idea I was going to learn so much with Don Juan Tours Arenal. I came for the coffee and stayed for both.
If you love coffee or chocolate, this is your PERFECT PLACE. It is a two hours tour where they go through the process of making coffee and chocolate then they let you make your own chocolate. At the end of the tour, they let you try their signature chocolate and coffee at the souvenir shops. If you like coffee, buy as much as you can because it is way too expensive to get it shipped to the USA.
All the chefs out there, if you want to learn how to make Costa Rican cuisine with locals, then this is your chance to do it. Most classes pick ingredients from their fields, fresh & organic. You will get a meal and learn some new skills.
Don't know how to go from San Jose to La Fortuna? Click here for a detailed guide. 🚌
Make sure to be prepared to go to Costa Rica during the rainy season. 🌧️
If you have the extra money to splurge and want to relax, check out Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs Resort. The natural thermal mineral springs are naturally heated by the volcano, which provides the ultimate relaxation you need after doing all the outdoor activities. This resort is massive and almost feels like there are endless hot springs.
This hot spring resort has a full-day pass that comes down to $80 for visitors to purchase online. The day pass admission goes from 10:10 AM to 10 PM. It is a good option to spend maybe half a day there since it can get tiring after staying there for a long time. I recommend either going early in the morning or a little later, closer to the evening. It gets a little hectic in the afternoon, and there are almost no chairs to lie down.
Tips: Food there isn't really worth it unless you get the nachos.
When you get to Costa Rica, you will see many sloth tours, especially in La Fortuna! There are a few sloth-watching trails within walking distance of the town. Listen, it might look like spending the extra cost to get a guided tour at the Sloth Trail is a waste of money, but it is actually worth it. Sloths are normally super high up in the tree and hard to spot unless they are coming down to take a piss.
The tour guides know exactly where to look for the sloth, and you will also be guaranteed to see one. If you have set your heart on seeing a sloth during this trip, get a tour guide! You won't be disappointed! 🦥
On the other hand, we didn't get the tour package, and sadly, we did not see any sloth on the Bogarin Trail. Learn from our mistakes, right?
Many horseback riding services around the Arenal area offer a private view of the volcano. Horseback riding is a unique experience, especially when you're on vacation. It is a memory that you will treasure forever!
Each horseback riding tour is a little different, but most consist of horseback riding, swimming at a waterfall, and a private horseback riding trail. If you're worried that you need to be an experienced rider, then don't be! Most places are beginner-friendly with well-trained horses!
You might've seen hanging bridges in all the advertisements and visitors since this is one of the top tourist attractions. Basically, it is a trail in a rainforest with hanging bridges and a waterfall. There are two paths: a shortcut and the regular path that goes to a waterfall and hanging bridges.
You will want a tour guide if you want to learn more about animals and plants in the rainforest, whereas if you don't, then you can do the self-guided tour. It can rain hard while walking through the rainforest, so remember to bring a rain jacket!
Tip: If you're afraid of heights, hanging bridges park might not be for you because the bridge shakes while walking on it.
My adventurous travelers looking for a day of excitement should definitely try out Whitewater Rafting around La Fortuna! This adventure will pretty much be a full day tour for about six hours. There are also combo tours that do canyoneering with whitewater rafting as well. There are many great, safe, and fun white water rafting tours to go on within La Fortuna!
What's better than enjoying the Arenal Volcano by ziplining through the rainforest? Exploring the rainforests by ziplining gives you a new perspective of the rainforest and will give you that adrenaline rush. It is truly majestic.
I recommend it if you have the time and got the gut to do this one! Most ziplining tours are around two to three hours. I recommend this tour for small groups, but always do your own research to see which one is safe and has good reviews.
Ride through the unique rainforest in La Fortuna with a tour guide on an ATV. It is super exciting, and you get that adrenaline rush! This particular tour package is better than others because it takes you on a private trail of the jungle instead of a crowded public route! Excited yet?!
Free Things to Do in La Fortuna
La Fortuna has many free activities, such as hiking and visiting rivers. Additionally, you can explore the amenities provided by your hotel. The free hot springs were my absolute favorite free thing to do! Although it was part of our guided tour, you can get there by yourself without a tour.
Free Natural Hot Springs River
One of my favorite things to do in the Arenal area because it is FREE & RELAXING. What more can you ask for? This hot spring is called Rio Chollin or, as you can find it on Google Maps, El Choyin. Rio Chollin. It is on the same road as Tabacon Hot Spring Resort, so this free natural hot spring is just as good.
There is no entrance fee or rules at this free natural hot springs river but relax. I recommend wearing water shoes in the river due to all the rocks and branches. Find an empty spot, sit down in the natural hot springs, and relax.
Some of the guided tours include this destination in the combo packages, which is nice because the tour guide can watch your belongings while you are enjoying the hot springs. 😌
About a 20 minutes walk from town, and you can also drive if you want since there's a free parking lot. It is a free place where locals and tourists come to cool off from the heat. If you can swim, then enjoy the free rope swing at El Salto!
Things to do around La Fortuna on Google Maps
There are still many things to do around La Fortuna and the Arenal area, but these are my top favorite things to do in La Fortuna in under five days! If you have time to stay longer, then please explore the area and visit nearby towns that are equally unique!
Reach out anytime if you want to have my itinerary for La Fortuna. Happy travel as always~ 🇨🇷
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What was your budget for this kind of trip?